Encouragement for Today

May 9, 2024 Before You Make That Decision … Read This LYSA TERKEURST Lee en español

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9 (NIV)

Is there a decision you’re wrestling through today?

Maybe you’re considering a job change, a relationship boundary you need to set, or which events to say “yes” and “no” to this month. Even if it’s not one of these things, chances are there is some decision you’re praying about, thinking about or anticipating.

Here’s what I know: The two most powerful words we can say are “yes” and “no.” How we use those words not only communicates our decisions but also the intention of our hearts and the direction of our lives.

We don’t want to overthink every decision we have to make, but we don’t want to underthink either. Like Psalm 119:9 instructs us, we can instead bring God into our decisions “by living according to [His] word.”

So here are a few questions to help you think through your decisions:

1. What will lead you closer to God’s best for you instead of detouring away?
2. What decision is supported by the wisdom of trusted friends who lean on God’s Word and listen to God’s leading?
3. When you ask for advice about this decision, are you withholding any necessary details, hoping other people will agree with you rather than challenge you?
4. When you think about this decision, do you feel more peaceful or panicked?
5. Is this a decision that feels good for today but could have negative long-term consequences?
6. What will this decision cost you, and is it a cost you’re willing to pay?

Friend, I feel an urgent need to hold your hand and tenderly guide you toward godly wisdom. Sometimes the wise answer won’t feel convenient. Sometimes the wise answer won’t feel fair or fun. Sometimes the wise answer will require you to trust God patiently and not try to make something happen on your own. But if you and I want to live in the fruitfulness of being wise people, we must choose wisdom over and over in our daily lives.

We won’t always get this right. In fact, there is no choice that will turn out perfectly in every way. Every decision is a package deal of both good and challenging outcomes. But as long as we seek to please God with our choices, we don’t have to be paralyzed by fear about not making the exact right decision.

We don’t have to be perfect; we just need to be obedient. God’s promises are not ultimately dependent on our ability to choose well but rather on His ability to use us well.

It’s not about you getting every decision right. It’s about staying close to God and letting Him lead you through it all. Friend, you can pre-decide right now that no matter what choices seem attractive today, you will go with what most closely aligns with God’s Word.

Dear Lord, I trust You beyond any fear I have of making the wrong decision. Today, I hand over all my uncertainties to You. Steady my heart as I navigate decisions I have to make. Reveal Yourself to me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Our days can feel like an endless string of choices to be made and options to be weighed. And if we’re honest, sometimes when our thoughts stop swirling and our feet stop moving, we wonder if we’re even getting it right. Are the countless decisions adding up to a life that counts? Introducing our newest study … Proverbs: Everyday Guidance for Making Everyday Decisions, starting May 27 in the free First 5 mobile app. Click here to get the study guide!

ENGAGE

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 119:10, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands” (NIV).

How could you seek the Lord with all your heart in a decision you’re trying to make?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

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